Pulsed neutron-based on-line coal analysis

Abstract

A neutron generator-based on-line coal analysis system is described, capable of measuring the content of the major and minor elements in coal. The system utilizes reactions produced from fast and thermal neutrons, as well as from neutron activation with half lives of seconds or minutes. Characteristic γ-rays, detected with BOO detectors are used for the identification of the various chemical elements. The method for the analysis of the γ-ray spectra is presented, and the measurements of coal density, carbon and sulfur content are shown.